Kuljetusliikkeet

Kuljetusliikkeet, Finnish for "transport companies," refer to businesses that provide goods or passenger transportation services across Finland. These firms operate a diverse range of vehicles, including trucks, vans, regional buses, coaches, and freight shipping vessels. Some specialize in road freight, while others manage intermodal logistics combining road, rail, and sea transport.

The sector emerged in the early 20th century as industrialization increased demand for reliable movement of raw materials and finished products. Post‑World War II expansion saw the proliferation of national and regional carriers, many of which were state‑owned or cooperatively managed. During the late 1960s and 1970s, deregulation and the introduction of the European Common Transport Policy reduced barriers to entry, encouraging a wave of private and joint‑venture operators.

European Union rules now govern cargo safety, driver working hours, and environmental standards. Finnish carriers must adhere to the Road Traffic Act, which sets licensing requirements for drivers and companies, and to the EU's Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. Climate‑change pressure has prompted many Kuljetusliikkeet to invest in low‑emission fleets, such as CNG trucks and electric delivery vans.

Major players include Tietoevry Logistics, YIT Transport, and Pohjolan Liikenne. Smaller family‑owned firms, such as ones operating in the Lapland region, provide niche services like perishable goods transport and seasonal passenger routes. As Finland’s last remaining significant Arctic nation, some companies support cross‑border trade with Russia, Norway, and Sweden.

The transport industry remains a key driver of Finland’s economy, contributing roughly 4 % to national GDP and providing employment for over 60,000 individuals. It also plays a crucial role in the Nordic region’s logistics network, ensuring efficient supply chains for both industrial and consumer markets.